The start of a 6-month construction project in Macomb Township is just one week away, and it is expected to cause some frustration and headaches for drivers.

On Friday, Jan. 18, the township will begin prepping 23 Mile Road for a major construction project. The $3.8 million project will close the two-lane bridge over the Clinton River and reopen with a new five-lane bridge constructed in its place.

No one doubts the crumbling bridge is in need of repair, but the project will take some time. The road isn't scheduled to reopen until July. The entire project is slated to wrap up in August. That concerns local business owners.

"It is going to be a tough next 7 to 8 months," said Lazaros Stavrou, who owns the nearby Subway. "It is going to impact us dramatically."

Debra Louzon, of New Baltimore, said she is concerned for her daughter's business.

"My daughter owns a business down there, so we are kind of worried about how it's going to affect the business, too," she said.

The Macomb County Department of Roads will redirect the 18,500 vehicles which cross the 23 Mile Road bridge daily. The detour will send vehicles south on Card Road to 21 Mile Road to North Avenue and back to 23 Mile Road.